RVA Spring Festivals

by Kate Vinnedge

Looking for something to do this spring? We’ve got you covered - and there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get right to it!

Shamrock the Block

Saturday, March 16th

Ready to shake off the winter cabin fever cobwebs? Ready to party with 40,000 other St. Patty’s day fans? Shamrock the Block is a free outdoor street festival on Belvidere between Broad and Leigh. Music, food, and beer, what more could you ask for?

A Million Blooms

Monday, April 1st

Starting in April and ending in June, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s A Million Blooms is a beautiful sight to behold. There’s no extra cost of admission, and the literal millions of flowers like daffodils, tulips, and bluebells are just gorgeous!

Flying Squirrels Opening Night

Thursday, April 4th

Get ready for the new Squirrels season starting in April! Come cheer on the Squirrels as they duke it out against Hartford, and while you’re at it, enjoy some fireworks!

The Bard’s Birthday: A Celebration of Shakespeare

Saturday, April 6th

The most famous playwright in history is turning 455 this year, and in celebration, Agecroft hall is putting on a fantastic day of renaissance and Shakespearian themed dance, songs, sonnets, and plays!

Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k

Saturday, April 14th

Have you been training? It’s almost time for the annual Monument Avenue 10k. Turning 20 this year, the 10k is a fantastic way to meet 25,000 other racers who like live music and running just as much as you!

RVA Earth Day Festival

Sunday, April 21st

Come on down to Manchester and celebrate the home we all know and love: Earth! Grab a beer, chow down on some grub, and check out what green goods and services earth-minded vendors have to offer!

Richmond International Film & Music Festival

Tuesday, April 23rd

Check out the latest in arts and culture at the RIFF! See amazing films you can’t find anywhere else, be serenaded by live music, and bump elbows with former (and current) governors, our current mayor, and even some stars.

RVA French Food Festival

Friday, April 26th

Starting on a Friday and continuing into Saturday, the RVA French Food Festival offers a taste of French culture; music, wine, and of course, cuisine. It’s fun for the whole family, and your tastebuds!

Herbs Galore & More

Saturday, April 27th

If you do any gardening, you need to grab a wagon and come out to Maymont for Herbs Galore & More. This year, over 25 local and independent vendors will be selling seeds, herbs, flowers, and all manner of plants for your garden!

Beer and Wine Classic at Maymont

Friday, May 3rd

Hosted by the Dooley Noted Society, Maymont’s Beer and Wine Classic features live music, food trucks, lawn games, and a whole lot more all on the beautiful Carriage House Lawn! Get your tickets now before they’re gone!

Friday Cheers

Friday, May 3rd

Starting the first Friday of May, and going through the end of June, Friday Cheers is a fantastic way to end your work week while blowing off steam on the beautiful Brown’s Isle. Listen to live music, grab some beers, and just chill out!

Taste of Virginia at King’s Dominion

Saturday, May 4th

Hosted at King’s Dominion, come celebrate the culinary culture of Virginia with live music, roller coasters, and chefs creating VA-inspired meals right before your very eyes - all for you to taste!

HenROCKus

Saturday, May 4th

Enjoy an afternoon (and evening) of beer, wine, food trucks, and live music in the beautiful Henricus Park! Parking is free, as well as admission for those under 12 years old!

Que Pasa? Festival of Virginia

Saturday, May 4th

Get a taste of Virginia’s Latin American community at the Que Pasa? Festival at the Canal Walk downtown! Experience delicious food, moving music, and beautiful art! Hasta luego!

Uncorked Half Marathon and 5k

Saturday, May 4th

Get some exercise, enjoy the countryside, meet fellow wine enthusiasts, and experience all the luxury of New Kent Winery after running your choice of a half marathon or 5k. As soon as you cross the finish line, get ready for pampering with a side of wine!

Arts in the Park

Saturday, May 4th

Byrd Park, that is. It’s free, it features over 450 artists from all over the U.S., and even offers free shuttles from the city stadium parking lot. Check out a tradition that’s been going strong for 40 years, and experience every artistic medium there is under the scenic Carillon Bell Tower!

Strawberry Street Festival

Saturday, May 11th

Do you love strawberries? Who doesn’t? Get your fill of the delicious fruit (and a lot of other food), and enjoy games and rides, and participate in auctions and raffles, all in the gorgeous neighborhood that is the Fan!

A Taste of New Kent

Saturday, May 11th

It’s the 11th annual Taste of New Kent Wine festival! Spend a day amongst the beautiful scenery of Virginia’s countryside, enjoy live music, grab some food from your favorite food trucks, visit craft vendors, and of course, sip on some wine or beer!

Riverrock

Friday, May 17th

The event that needs no introduction, Dominion Energy Riverrock! It’s the best outdoor & music festival in the country, with amazing bands, crazy fun activities, and good times from Friday through Sunday. And best, it’s free!

Strawberry and Wine Festival

Sunday, May 19th

Feast on every type of strawberry related dish you could imagine, sip on delicious wine, treat your ears to live music, and find some truly amazing gifts from over 100 vendors, at the scenic Hanover Vegetable Farm!